Fugro Buys Seaeye ROVs

The 2011 newbuild order, worth almost GBP5 million, includes four Lynx and two Panther XT ROV systems.  According to Jim Mann, Fugro's global ROV manager, the new vehicles will be part of the worldwide Fugro ROV fleet that provides specialist engineering capabilities through the global network of Fugro Bases. The new ROV systems are already en route to Singapore, Brazil and the UK, where they will operate in support of drilling and completion; offshore construction; inspection, repair and maintenance and long-term "Life of Field" support.'

For their inspection role, the Lynx is equipped with cameras and sonar, along with a manipulator and tooling skid. The Panthers are configured for light intervention work and survey tasks and are prepared for operations using Fugro's specially developed lightweight tooling solutions.

In addition to the composite video and serial data transmission via fibre optic cables, some of the systems also include an ethernet high-speed data link, allowing more advanced sensors such as multi-beam sonar systems to be fitted to the ROV.

The new ROV systems will operate from Fugro's fleet of specialist support vessels or from an end customer's platform. They join Fugro's range of ROV systems that include Work Class, Intermediate Class and Observation Class systems, capable of operating in areas from shallow water to depths greater than 4,000msw.